A Christmas wish for a lost soul

As a matter of routine, I try to avoid reading the police/fire log and court stories that appear in our print and online editions.

Not because they're not an important service provided to our readers, and not because my co-workers don't do an excellent job reporting on these matters.

It's just that I'd much rather read - and, of course, write - about people's accomplishments than their indiscretions and failures. Occupational hazard, I guess.

For many reasons, I wish I had ignored a particularly court story that appeared earlier this week, one which told of the personal struggles and criminal acts of former Cedar Crest football and track star Jaren Hayes.

In short, it was a shock to read that Hayes had just pleaded guilty to simple assault for striking a four-year old boy, and that he is also, sadly, fighting a heroin addiction.

Before I go any further, let me make one thing clear: I cannot ever condone or dismiss any act of violence toward a child. It's inexcusable, no matter the circumstance.

But, possibly against my better judgement since I don't know all of the facts of his case, I'm going to defend Hayes here.

Because when I read what he was guilty of, it saddened me greatly to think that's all some people will ever know about Jaren Hayes. Or perhaps remember.

I remember a different person. And not just the wildly gifted running back and sprinter who spent 1998-2002 at Cedar Crest racing through opposing defenses and speeding down the track like few local athletes ever have. Or will in the future. His athletic ability was simply breathtaking to watch.

But the most impressive thing, at least in my mind, about Hayes during those years was his humble demeanor and extreme reluctance to embrace the spotlight.

Many standout athletes, even at the high school level, crave attention. Or at least don't ever run away from it. They love to see their picture in the paper or read about their exploits on the playing field. Who wouldn't?

Well, Hayes didn't appear to be that type. He was as reluctant a star athlete as I've ever run across. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think it was an act.

The only time I can ever remember Hayes truly enjoying being interviewed was when he set the county touchdown record and presented the ball he scored with to his grandmother, who essentially raised him. I remember asking him about the gesture, and him responding with comments that expressed immense gratitude toward his grandmother and all she had done for him.

Obviously, something has changed with Jaren Hayes over the years. I can't claim to know what, although I do know Hayes' collegiate football career didn't turn out as successfully as many thought it would. Perhaps his descent into his current struggles began there. I don't know.

But I do know this. The Jaren Hayes I remember from Cedar Crest was a good kid, with a good heart.

I'd like to believe that guy still exists in him, somewhere deep inside. I hope he finds him again.

I hope a lot of people who knew him back then feel the same way and wish him the best and support him as he battles his demons.